Irine18 wrote:I'm coming out of lurker status to comment on this thread. I'm still recovering from Valentine's Day, which was more like Valentine's week than anything . . .

Thanks, Irine, for the inside look. It's always nice to hear stories from the other side of the table -- especially from someone who loves what they do.

A few friends of mine who are in the biz were mostly disappointed this year because of the Saturday holiday. What would have normally been an extra night of busy-ness during the week, got compressed into a Saturday, when their restaurants would have been busy anyway. To make things just a bit worse, instead of the larger groups that would typically come in on a Saturday, Valentine's Day is most 2-tops, so while all their tables were going to be occupied, they were expecting to do only about 60% of the covers they normally do on a Saturday.

Funny how the luck of the draw can have such a profound effect on some businesses. Of course, it sounds like your restaurant was able to absorb the extra Saturday business without a hiccup. Must be good management!

And welcome to LTH!

=R=

Why don't you take these profiteroles and put them up your shi'-ta-holes? --Jemaine & Bret

The options are nearly limitless! But you gotta give some parameters...

Geographical constraints? (Do you want to be in the city? In the burbs? Would you travel?)

Any particular things you think would improve the romance quotient? (My lady finds ethnic dives to be incredibly romantic; your partner might not feel the same)

What do you consider "not too expensive"? I mean, i can think of lots of things that are not expensive when compared to Alinea/Trotter's/etc.

To throw out one random idea: Sweets and Savories on Fullerton. I've only been once, but we had a fantastic meal at a very reasonable price (prix fixe in the 30s somewhere, if i recall correctly), and others here sing its praises. BYO helps keep the cost down, and it's ever-so-slightly out of the way, so it's got an air of mystery to it. It's got white tablecloths, etc., so it in no way feels dive-y.

They may be doing something special for V-day - i'll leave that to you to investigate.

Depending on who you reach and for when you are making your reservations, they might offer to reserve a private booth for you, or, more likely for a high volume evening like Valentine's, they will just give you a general reservation and once you arrive, you may have to wait a little bit for a private booth. There are only a small number of the alcoves/booths, so they are in high demand. But, when you wait, you can always relax at the bar and enjoy some piano music. Not the worst way to spend 30-45 minutes.

Thank you everyone. Great responses. My lady friend does enjoy ethnic places, and I love BYOB for the cost cutting. I would like to stay in the city limits. I am in Lakeview, and she is in Lincoln Park, so I was hoping somewhere within that region. I was looking to keep the meal under like $125 total.

On the topic of heart-shaped pizzas, I'd like to mention that Buffo's in Highwood also offers a thin crust version. I've always liked their thin crust (disclaimer: I worked there for a few summers during my college years) and while everything is good, their barbeque chicken is definitely something to try. The sauce is more smoky than sweet and the chicken is grilled and diced fresh for each pizza.

grace21 wrote:On the topic of heart-shaped pizzas, I'd like to mention that Buffo's in Highwood also offers a thin crust version. I've always liked their thin crust (disclaimer: I worked there for a few summers during my college years) and while everything is good, their barbeque chicken is definitely something to try. The sauce is more smoky than sweet and the chicken is grilled and diced fresh for each pizza.

Buffo's432 N Sheridan Rd.Highwood, IL

Barnaby's Northbrook used to offer heart shaped pizza on V-day...since very little there changes from decade to decade, I'd guess they still do but if you're so inclined, best to call first and verify.

I love to cook and nest at home for holidays where people traditionally go out (New Years Eve), but I also like to take my S-E-X (Spousal-Equivalent-eXtaordinaire) out and treat her to a lovely time. Dining out on VD is rolling the dice when it comes to service, that is why the perfect "dining" experience is Afternoon Tea at The Peninsula. Unparalleled service in a warm soothing atmosphere with live music, sipping tea and noshing on plates of mini sandwiches and pastries. Stroll Boule Mich before or after or take a carriage ride to The Peninsula. It is more memorable than any traditional meal ever will be.

i would recommend spiaggia. it's really good. get the tasting menu and relax for the evening. last time i was there i had some sort of pasta that tasted like the best penne ala vodka i'd ever had. i know that sounds crazy, but for real, it was rad.

i spent my v-day in des plaines,il at the winter burn off bbq contest .it was a great day ,sunny & the smell of(wood smoke ) 17 cookteams in the air.took 10th overall & got a call in pork 4th place. had alot of fun.we had sausage, chicken, ribs,pork loin& chili

Also enjoyed a heart-shaped pizza at Marie's last night (1/2 bacon and spinach, 1/2 cheese) - like all of our previous meals there, it was GREAT. The beginning of a Valentine's Day tradition for the fiance and myself!

Noting that this is in reference to reservations for White Castle (had to look pretty far back to see the context)

Cathy2 wrote:

Da Beef wrote:make your reservations today...

For reservations: 708/458-4450 extension 510

I already made mine!

Leek

SAVING ONE DOG may not change the world, but it CHANGES THE WORLD for that one dog.American Brittany Rescue always needs foster homes. Please think about helping that one dog. http://www.americanbrittanyrescue.org

For the 16th year, White Castle will turn hundreds of restaurants into love dens. Instead of spending hundreds of dollars on a night you'll likely forget in a week, go to White Castle and be seated by a well-dressed hostess at a table, complete with candlelight and tablecloth. At this point, you can feel free to stuff your faces. Even better, you could stuff each others.

In the Chicagoland area, reservations are being taken at 708.458.4450

E.M.

Hi,

I just signed up for my first opentable.com reservation at White Castle for Valentine's Day.

"Thanks for Valentine-ing at the Castle! (Yes, we made up that word. Just go with it.) If your reservation changes, please let us know. We look forward to creating life-lasting, slider-filled memories together."

For the 16th year, White Castle will turn hundreds of restaurants into love dens. Instead of spending hundreds of dollars on a night you'll likely forget in a week, go to White Castle and be seated by a well-dressed hostess at a table, complete with candlelight and tablecloth. At this point, you can feel free to stuff your faces. Even better, you could stuff each others.

In the Chicagoland area, reservations are being taken at 708.458.4450

E.M.

Hi,

I just signed up for my first opentable.com reservation at White Castle for Valentine's Day.

"Thanks for Valentine-ing at the Castle! (Yes, we made up that word. Just go with it.) If your reservation changes, please let us know. We look forward to creating life-lasting, slider-filled memories together."